Overview
- Multiple outlets report Díaz declined the final two years of his contract, with The Athletic citing roughly $37 million remaining including deferred money and the New York Post reporting $28 million.
- Díaz, 31, rebounded to elite form in 2025 with a 1.63 ERA and 98 strikeouts over 66.1 innings, reinforcing strong market demand for a top-tier closer.
- Analyst Tim Britton of The Athletic projects a four-year, $84 million contract in free agency, which would challenge the record average annual value for a reliever if realized.
- Under MLB rules, players can re-sign only with their current teams until Thursday, giving the Mets a brief window to try to keep their All-Star closer before broader bidding begins.
- The Mets must weigh bullpen stability and payroll priorities as they decide whether to match market-level offers or pursue alternatives this offseason.